A bright Christmas at Bellingrath Gardens in Theodore (photos)

THEODORE, Alabama -- Bellingrath Gardens and Home hit a milestone this year for its 18th annual Magic Christmas in Lights show. They now have over 1,000 pieces in the sparkling display that covers 65 acres. They were also listed as No. 1 on HowStuffWorks.com's “50 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in America.”

On Friday night, organizers estimated that about 2,000 visitors turned out despite the chilly weather. Festivities for the night featured a special concert from the "Joe Cool Trio." They performed Vince Guaraldi's "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Go to http://www.bellingrath.org/mcil-performing-groups.html to see the entire performance schedule.

Santa is stationed in the cafe every day from 6-9 p.m. except Dec. 3.

The light show will be open daily through Dec. 31 from 5 to 9 p.m., except on Dec. 25. Tickets are available online at www.bellingrath.org and at participating Regions Banks.